Box 1

"Some time ago I prepared an article on my relations with The Fugitives, about which, under the name of impersonal scholarship, some outrageously false accounts have gained the status of literary history."

"We have read your letter of May 24 with great interest, and we hasten to reply that we would be happy to consider your article on "The Fugitives" for publication in DQ."

"I shall, indeed, in revising my article with the help of new data and new thought of a general order arising from this, have it in mind as something that you may wish to publish. I had almost decided to convert the article in revising it to the uses of a book treating of my experience in the behavior of others towards my work and myself..."

"I have thought, recently, that it might interest you to have from me a something other than the article con cerning myself as a Fugitive (member of the group The Fugitives), and my relation with the Fugitives generally, as an interim piece until I could work the existing article into one covering the subject with more firmness..."

"Thanks very much indeed for your letter offering us your essay "What, If not a Poem, Poems?""

"I take it that you are aware of my having renounced poetry - many years ago. My latest published statement on this is, my preface to Selected Poems: In Five Sets..."

"The few who have read the essay, which is some years old, have liked it - with an exception that may interest you."

"I thought to offer you the article to replace the one you plan to use for your February issue: there is a certain importance for me in its appearing at the earliest possible journalistic occasion - one reason being (this not the only reason) that what it sets forth is overdue clarification."

...

"As to interest in my poems: I know of no concentrated labor of preoccupation with them - with them exclusively."

"I want to get down two statements of a general sort, not related to problems. 1) I am pleased with the placement of this article with you."

"2) I want to record my regret over the poor script I sent to you, and the chore I made for you of having it retyped."

....

"I think it a loyal and generous notion, that of presenting poems of mine, besides the article. But, please, take into account what I shall now say..."

"Be not frightened by the quantity of 'affixed notes' - they are the only repeat what is intended to the text with explanation"